Only Jonathan Ogden in Ravens' worst year for Pro Bowl selections

FROM THE ARCHIVES

In a season filled with low points, the Ravens reached another one yesterday, receiving a franchise-worst one invitation to the Pro Bowl.

Offensive tackle JonathanOgden will make his ninth straight appearance in the NFL all-star game, becoming the only representative for the last-place Ravens (5-9).

For Ogden, it was an honor welcomed with mixed emotions of a disappointing season. "It's kind of like having a good dessert but also having a crappy meal," Ogden said. "You know you'll feel a little better, but the steak was bad. Hopefully next year, we'll get a little bit of both."

Ogden's tackle position was at the center of a controversy yesterday.

According to the Indianapolis Colts, the NFL's Pro Bowl list included Tarik Glenn's name as one of three AFC tackles. The league later called back to inform the Colts that there was a tabulating mistake.

It is unknown whether Glenn's spot was taken by Ogden or either of the other two selections, Cincinnati's Willie Anderson and Kansas City's Willie Roaf.

An NFL spokesman said that there was a computer error, a possible first in league balloting.

"I know sometimes linemen get by on reputations, but I think I had a decent year," Ogden said. "I am thankful that I was able to go one more time."

Tight end Todd Heap and safety Ed Reed were named alternates, which means someone has to decline an invitation or get injured for them to play in the game.

Most players consider Heap as the biggest snub on the Ravens. He has the second-most catches (69) among NFL tight ends but was passed over for San Diego's Antonio Gates and Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez.

"It's disappointing, but you don't base your whole season on that," Heap said. "Had we had a better record and were in the playoff hunt, it might be a different story."

Another Pro Bowl hopeful turned away was Adalius Thomas. Playing every position on defense, he leads the Ravens with seven sacks and has scored touchdowns in the past two victories.

The Ravens traditionally are represented well in the Pro Bowl, receiving at least three invitations each year since 1998. They sent five players last season and tied for the league most with eight selections in 2003.